"It need not make any difference." Stella spoke slowly, her eyes fixed
upon the green race-course that gleamed in the sun below them. "So far
as I am concerned, he is quite welcome to remain at The Green Bungalow.
I daresay we should not get in each other's way. That is," she looked at
her brother, "if you prefer that arrangement."

"I say, that's jolly decent of you!" Tommy's face was flushed with
pleasure. "Sure you mean it?"

"Quite sure." Stella spoke rather wearily. "It really doesn't matter to
me--except that I don't want to come between you and your friend. Now
that I have been married--" a tinge of bitterness sounded in her
voice--"I suppose no one will take exception. But of course Captain
Monck may see the matter in a different light. If so, pray let him do as
he thinks fit!"

"You bet he will!" said Tommy. "He's about the most determined cuss that
ever lived."

"He's a very nice man," put in Tessa jealously.

Tommy laughed. "He's one of the best," he agreed heartily. "And he's the
sort that always comes out on top sooner or later. Just you remember
that, Tessa! He's a winner, and he's straight--straight as a die."
"Which is all that matters," said Mrs. Ralston, without lifting her eyes
from her letter.

"Hear, hear!" said Tommy. "Why do you look like that, Stella? Mean to
say he isn't straight?"